Gut Reaction: Broncos sign Peyton Manning

Suck it down, Bud Adams, and, for that matter, the rest of the league.

If only Al Davis would have been around to weep--and to trade for Tim Tebow.

Oh well, you can't always get what you want.

For John Elway, putting the Broncos in position to win the Super Bowl is enough for now. Curing Tebowmania is icing on the cake.

As always, the gut don't lie. Let's get to it.

The Positives

1) The Broncos immediately upgrade the quarterback position. Tim Tebow (or Adam Weber, for that matter) is to Peyton Manning as a jungle gym is to Gold's Gym--that is to say they aren't even close. The money guys agree. Before the Manning acquisition, the Broncos were 70-1 to win the Super Bowl. After they acquired Manning, the number went to 10-1.

2) Manning's arrival also upgrades the offensive line. The Broncos will likely sign Jeff Saturday, which will allow J.D. Walton to learn how to play center (he was one of the worst in the league last year accoring to Pro Football Focus), or serve as an insurance policy for Saturday, Chris Kuper, and Zane Beadles/Orlando Franklin (depending on if you think Franklin is an option at guard).

3) The return of audibles. Last year, the Broncos used no audibles after Tebow was inserted into the starting lineup. Elway said so himself. This year, they won't just be able to audible at the line of scrimmage, they'll have the entire playbook from which to work. Manning is an NFL encyclopedia on 3rd and long.

4) Speaking of 3rd down, the Broncos will no longer lead the league in the number of drives in which they go three and out. In fact, try and imagine what the no-huddle offense will do at altitude, Hoss. It blows your mind.

5) Free agents suddenly want to come to Denver. Part of the draw for free agents to Denver in 1996--1998 was the figure of John Elway. Here we go again.

6) The circus maximus known as Tebowmania leaves town. Personally, I can't thank the dear Lord enough. Gone are the billboards; gone are the Jesus jerseys; gone is the zombie-cult of maniacs that won't stop hunting you until they've devoured your very flesh.

7) The tight end becomes relevant in Denver again--not just one, but two. Julius Thomas will be more than hype next year. So might Knowshon Moreno catching passes out of the backfield.

8) Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil might be first and second in sacks next year. They'll likely be playing with a lead. That means Von and Elvis won't have to worry about defending the run. Jack Del Rio can let loose the hounds. As Shannon Sharpe said, "you can run, but you can't hide."

9) The Broncos won't be pressed into drafting a quarterback in the first round as was rumored. They can pick up someone in round three or four and let them learn from Manning (as much as is possible, and I'm looking at you here, Curtis Painter).

10) Philip Rivers, your reverse pyschology did not work. Now you pay, Daddio.

11) You no longer have to Tebow (the verb) just because you saw some random dudes on the internet doing it.

The Negatives

1) Manning's age. Let's be honest: Peyton Manning is no spring chicken. At age 36 (soon), it's difficult to know just how much tread is on the tires. John Elway won late in his career, but he was the exception, not the rule.

2) Manning's injuries. He's been cleared by the doctors, but that hardly qualifies as a certainty. Yes, all quarterbacks are one hit away, but Manning isn't as bionic as other quarterbacks without four neck surguries.

3) Manning's friends (Saturday/Clark), should they sign, are also up there in years. Next year could be an injury fest.

5) High rewards often come with high risk. If this thing bombs, it could really bomb.

6) If you've bought a Tebow jersey already, you are SOL--unless you turn that "5" into an "8." But you've still got that whole "Tebow" name change to deal with. The Christian thing to do, however, would be to donate the jersey to charity.

7) Woody Paige? Sad face.

8) Skip Bayless? Sadder Face.

9) The Broncos' strength of schedule ain't no thang now, is it? It is. They've still got to play a boatload of tough opponents.

10) GDP just shrunk by 1% due to the uncertainty of Tebow-related merchandise sales, Mike Klis's book, and Tebow's autobiography.

The Who the Heck Knows

1) Florida Gators fans are sad today because of Peyton Manning. I guess Manning, in some way, finally beat Florida.

3) Cosmic irony: Tim Tebow's comebacks and flashes of brilliance actually contributed to his own destruction in this case. Had the Broncos not finished 8-8 and changed their offense to fit Tebow's unique abilities, Manning might not have seen the Broncos as so damn flexible and close to winning. The truth is that the Broncos were much farther away from being a division champ than their record said.

4) Is Mike McCoy glad he didn't get the Miami job now?

5) When Tebow gets the Curse of the Madden Cover in 2013, he could be cursing another franchise.

6) John Elway doesn't have to look constipated when the Broncos win next year.

7) Oddly enough, the Broncos will have less sacks next year with Manning than they did with one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league.

8) Who will be the Broncos' version of Pierre Garcon next year?

9) Is John Elway a liar or do we just need to redefine what we think "training camp" means? I'd suggest the latter.

10) What is Tim Tebow worth? We're going to find out. Brian Xanders is about to earn his money.

You, me, and every fan, has the right to do or wear whatever you want.

Regarding jerseys, I've had my fair share, and I wear my faves still, just like it sounds you will. There's a big diff between you wearing an orange tebow jersey and a guy wearing an old blue Romo jersey, who went & played for Oakland and went on to, in some manner, to embarrass himself and become a joke.

I was simply stating that a jersey isn't required gear. In fact when I was a kid, almost NOBODY wore jerseys. Its a relatively new thing. So when a player like Romo leaves and plays for our arch-rival and people still wear those jerseys, I can't help but cross my fingers that guy doesn't end up on TV because he doesn't rep our fanbase, which is awesome

Its not me making fun of someone who can't drop $40 or whatever on a new jersey.

Posted by Super7 on 2012-03-20 11:19:36

John, I don't know what or where you've been reading or what you think that 'we all' said, but last year we covered J. Thomas and no one claimed he was going to be a beast in the short run. People who read anything on him knew that he had little football experience but played well in his single year of college ball. People have said that his basketball experience seemed to help him with catching and that he played well for having so little training - and equally that it did nothing to prepare him for blocking or for the violence of the NFL. That's why he was a 4th round project.

Your comment isn't being a wet blanket - it just isn't being reasonable, though, either. He's a 4th round flier because he has almost no experience but has showed substantial natural skill and might be able to be developed. The development part for a player with a single year of college football takes more than one season.

Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-03-20 03:36:27

I don't live in Colorado. Never have. Been a Broncos fan for almost 30 years. It's called living in a world with modern media. So I guess you stumbled into being a fan, while I picked this team deliberately.

Your diaper rash acting up again, Reggie?

Posted by jvill on 2012-03-20 00:35:46

Wow. A R, what are you talking about? The two biggest positions on a football that are lightning rods are coach and QB. Did you happen to notice what Shanny endured? Did you see what Cutler endured? Did you see what McDaniels endured? The scorn that Orton received was based on his lack of being able to win games - just like every other example I just stated. Do you get the common thread? Do you think Orton got more "scorn" than the others? Did you see what happened to McDaniels? It happens. You lose and people will criticize you. You lose and you get replaced.

That's the issue here, A R. Tebow won and got criticized and replaced...do you get the difference? I doubt it, but I tried.

Posted by Orange_and_Blue on 2012-03-20 00:31:34

Heh. There are more comments here frowning upon attacking Tebow than there are actual posts attacking Tebow.

Posted by jvill on 2012-03-20 00:26:34

Word. Heck, double word.

Posted by jvill on 2012-03-20 00:17:04

The comments on that article make me SO happy Tebow is leaving. Apparently is the fault of Jewish Zionists for all the bad Tebow coverage. You know, of the most popular, media saturated athlete in years.

Duncan, man, how do you do it?

Posted by jvill on 2012-03-20 00:11:57

Beadles played LT at Utah. When he was playing RT in 2010, he showed very little ability to move laterally to his right. Movement for a RT is a complete opposite direction that it is for a LT. That coupled with his being a rookie was way too much to expect from him.

I hope he stays as depth on the left side while Franklin occupies his LG spot.

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2012-03-19 23:51:12

50 years as a Broncos fan ... many of them as aseason ticket holder ... trust me when I tell you, we are MUCH closer to aSuper Bowl with Tebow than with Manning ... don't squeal at me, just watch ...and let's chat again next year - and the year after (when Manning is hurt andwe have no back-up plan). The dude (PM) is 36, injured, and in a completely newsystem. Do you REALLY think the Colts would have cut him if they thought hegave them the best chance to win a Super Bowl in the shortest time period? Of coursenot. Y’all are thinking about the PM of 5 years ago, not the REAL PM of today! That’swhy you are dumbasses!

Posted by RegisAlum on 2012-03-19 23:44:46

While I will admit to being a Tebow fan I have been aBroncos fan since before Craig Morton was our QB. But betting the farm on a 35, (soon to be 36 year old QB) who missed alllast year does not seem like a wise move to me.

I am not sold on PM being the PM that he was when he waswith the Colts. Is PM going to make the Broncos better, probably but there areway too many holes to be filled on defense to think that the Broncos areautomatically a super bowl contender because PM is now a Bronco.

Just like McD fell in love with Tim Tebow I think EFX hasfallen in love with PM. While this could go down as one of the best free agentsignings in history is also has the potential to be one of the worst.

I believe the money would have been better spent onupgrading the defense and giving Tebow one more year to develop. As someone once said, offense sells tickets, defense wins championships.

I hope I am wrong, only time will tell.

Posted by colomtn on 2012-03-19 23:38:20

Super7 You're right. Football players are transient, and no one should complain if they buy a jersey and the player leaves the team. But your arrogance about not wearing the jersey any more is way out of line. Some people actually make sacrifices and have to save to buy a jersy. For me, my orange Tim Tebow jersey is the only jersey I've ever had, it was a fairly large decision to spend money on it instead of something else, and I'll continue wearing it wherever, whenever, and for as long as I choose. To me, the jersey is about honoring a player, team history, and team spirit, not just trying to look cool with all the latest, most popular jersies. I guess if you see us wearing our old smelly jersies, you can stick your nose in the air and turn your back. What an insulting thing to say. And how generous of you to give us your permission to wear a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or jacket instead of our old smelly jerseys.

Posted by CompUser on 2012-03-19 23:03:27

"A R, Orton was never: a) a clutch performer b) won enough games to get in the playoffs as a Broncos c) won a playoff game."

So then it's ok to treat him like shit? Thanks for clearing that up. And helping make my point.

Posted by A R on 2012-03-19 23:00:22

Cut that meat.

Posted by EastCoastBronco7 on 2012-03-19 22:50:07

A R, Orton was never: a) a clutch performer b) won enough games to get in the playoffs as a Broncos c) won a playoff game.

It's not like Tebow failed the Broncos. He helped salvaged a season maybe intentionally meant to be a loser and was predicted as such (5-6 wins I believe). He only accounted for 4 of the regular season losses.

In the end, he would have been better off never having played a game last year and Brady Quinn/Orton going 4-12. He would have stayed a Bronco likely and been able to buy more time behind Manning possibly. In the end, his effort and opportunity (and yes, maniacal fans plus a wacky media) is what ended his time here in just his 2nd yr of pro football. Just doesn't sit well to some of us who wish he could stay a Bronco and if not, be allowed to exit with appreciation for what he did (results included) - which BTW help land Manning. Do you really think Manning chooses Denver if we go 4-12?

Posted by Orange_and_Blue on 2012-03-19 22:47:59

Well, Meow Broncos! and Meow Mr. Manning! Let's go for it! 4 years , at least 2 Super Bowls!.Elway wants it, Fans want it, Manning wants it! It's time to set a new record- Number of Super Bowls won by a Q.B. while playing for 2 or more teams! Like the George Harrison song goes, "It's gonna take a lot of spending money". We have to buy great talent and draft great talent to support PM. (don't forget a good FG kicker either) That's Elways job. There's no better place to play than in Denver-that's the fans job. What's in it for the League? Football Mania on a level you've not seen before- for the next 4 years! Who let the horse out! (dum da dum da dum)

Posted by CaptCatnip on 2012-03-19 22:26:20

Agreed Doc. When I thought on how our players saw this move, my first - and only sure - thought was that Champ must be positively giddy over this. But I'm betting Dawk is hoping his body can put one more quality seasontogether too.

Posted by MakeCents02 on 2012-03-19 22:15:14

Doc, I know we are quite some time removed from the Shanny era, but do you find it ironic that Manning -- the standard against which Shanny judged our QBs and THE reason Shanny traded for Champ -- is now in Denver with Champ, while the "coach for life" is long gone?

Also, I wonder what the Manning signing does to Dawkins? You have to assume it makes him think much harder about coming back for one more go-round...

Posted by Nick (ncm42) on 2012-03-19 22:04:14

Don't forget Ryan Harris is still in the mix, too. I believe EFX extended him after the season. If he's healthy (big if, I know), he's a better option at RT. Slide Big O over to Guard, Beadles is depth (assuming Kuper is sufficiently healed).

Posted by Nick (ncm42) on 2012-03-19 22:02:26

I am a native of the Denver metro area--one of the few and live and work in the Denver metro. I attended two regular season home games last year and attended two training camp sessions.

Of all the moves Josh McDaniels made, the one I loathed the most was moving up into the first round to take Tim Tebow. I always had my doubts about Tebow--even at the height of the mania last season. I have never hated Tebow or wished him ill. The problem with so many Tebow supporters is they cannot engage in a rational dialogue about Tebow's limitations and weaknesses without getting overly emotional and at times, hostile.

I wish Tebow well wherever he ends up. He is a great person with many admirable qualities. He is a fantastic athlete. I just don't think he's the type of quarterback the NFL game demands today.

Posted by RSH, Esq. on 2012-03-19 22:00:15

Boz, I like your style! We could probably get Jeff George for some sweet shades and a parking spot close to the building!

It would figure that a) known halfwit Dan Caplis spat that onto paper, and b) that the Gazette - currently working through bankruptcy proceedings - would be dumb enough to publish it.

As always, I'll just continue to apologize for the City of Colorado Springs and my fellow residents' collective ignorance on so, so many things.

Carry on...

Posted by Duncan Malloch on 2012-03-19 21:47:13

One more thing. Orton is a good guy, too. What did he ever do to deserve the scorn directed at him, other than fail to be a good enough QB?

Man, QB in the NFL is a crappy job. You're one of the 50 best people in a nation of 300 million at what you do, and still have a 99% chance of FAILING, and a 99.9% chance of abuse and ridicule from your so called fans.

Posted by A R on 2012-03-19 21:26:43

Wow, I thought maybe Regis would have had a course in dialectic. Even though I went to CU and DU, I learned that reasoned discourse is better than name calling and demagoguery. Of course, much of what Tebowmaniacs present as arguments are the latter, so we shouldn't expect more. We were dumbasses for being concerned about his potential and about his long term development. We were dumbasses for any criticism about his play. We were dumbasses for doubting his obvious good character would somehow turn a 47% passer into a probowler. And we were even bigger dumbasses for thinking that the rest of the team improved and helped in those miraculous comebacks.

Thanks for playing.

Posted by DCJ1 on 2012-03-19 21:19:34

I'm scanning this thread, and not finding shots at Tebow, or scorn twards him. Are you talking about on the twitter update thread? The shots I'm seeing on this thread are in fact directed at Tebowmania. Well, ok, I did spot one hater that I don't remember seeing before.

Tebow/Tebowmania/Tebowcontraversy brings out the worst in a lot of people, myself included. Sometimes I'm embarrassed at how I behave, sometimes I don't give a rat's ! That's why I will be happy to see the Tebow circus leave town. It brings out the worst in us, far more so than even McD.

It's really a shame too, because stepping back, he's an amazing example of belief in self. Something we all potentially have within us and something we could all learn from.

Posted by A R on 2012-03-19 21:16:50

Champ bailey is a very happy guy right now, and there are several Broncos - most of them, at the least - that are thrilled to be lining up on the same team as a guy with the cred of Peyton. Every player just stepped up his game.

Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-03-19 21:10:43

How much for a really, really, really big tarp? Install a rain fly at Mile High.

Posted by A R on 2012-03-19 21:04:47

Curses are of the devil. Tebow isn't in leage with the devil, is he?

Posted by A R on 2012-03-19 20:54:27

This comment deserves 15 likes.

Posted by A R on 2012-03-19 20:53:54

The broncos will definitely have 3 qb s on the roster imho and Webber (who I liked) will likely have to battle a draftee for.a spot. If I had to predict anyway.

Posted by underdog on 2012-03-19 20:50:32

BTW, am I wrong that we should think about switching positions for Beadles and Franklin now?

Beadles may be a better tackle fit than guard regardless, but maybe that's what we should look at if we are going 55%+ passing. And Franklin at LG could maul.

Manning doesn't need as much time, so maybe that helps with Beadles. However, I forgot - what was Beadles problem at RT in 2010?

Posted by Orange_and_Blue on 2012-03-19 20:42:31

I looked all the way back to the beginning of this thread and only saw one guy who was bashing Tebow, and he was using language rather like your own, calling those who disagree names.I imagine this is hard for you Tebow guys, but you're gonna have to let it go. It's over.

Posted by Alaskan on 2012-03-19 20:23:22

Nice post! Way to engage in analysis. I guess it "takes one to know one." (BTW - lived in Denver for 30 years)

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2012-03-19 20:06:51

If you'd like to have a football conversation, 'dumbasses' is probably the wrong approach.

The basic concept, which it sounds like you disagree with, is that Manning is in the conversation of all-time greatest quaterbacks. If you agree with this statement, you would be excited about this deal. If Manning is fool's gold, color me the fool.

The big risk is that he is healthy again. Medical teams from several different teams all cleared Manning to play. And regarding age, Denver fans have seen firsthand a 38 year old QB win a SuperBowl. I recall thinking Elway would be welcomed by fans to go for the third at 39 years old!

All QBs risk injury. A better challenge would be to see who has better passing stats by the end of next season, Peyton Manning or Tim Tebow.

I also think you are misreading Tebowmaniac hate as Tebow hate. Tebow was fun to watch this season. Had me jumping out of my seat at times. Other times shaking my head. And I did go to several games last year. That KC game I wanted to crawl under my seat and die...

Posted by OutOfYourElement on 2012-03-19 20:00:39

Well said, John. It is wise to bear in mind that no matter what our opinion of his ability or his politics, Tebow is a young man who was doing his best. To take potshots at him as he departs is as unfair as taking out billboards. Few on either side of the debate showed much tolerance. I only wish him well, and hope that his faith bears him through what must be difficult times for him.

Posted by DCJ1 on 2012-03-19 19:38:07

Hmm, personally, never felt like it was taken away from me.

Posted by Bronco_Mike on 2012-03-19 19:36:05

did you say the same thing about Dawkins?

Posted by TDot_Bronco on 2012-03-19 19:33:20

could not have said it better. I am hiding out until this is all over....

Dont like seeing the kid being bashed.

Posted by BRASO on 2012-03-19 19:33:06

Welcome to Denver Mr. Manning!!!

I couldn't agree more John. Thank you for putting into words what I was thinking, I am ashamed of some of my fellow Broncos fans for not being class acts during this process. You hate Tebow's "diehard Tebow or bust at any costs" fans, fine. But to direct any negativity towards a guy who helped make our team relevant again, who played his butt off to help his team win, and who helped his teammates buy into a "team first" attitude, is beyond ridiculous.

As far as former Broncos who couldn't get the job done, Cutler and Marshall deserve each other in Chicago, what is that old saying?....."Be careful what you wish for...."

Posted by Bronco_Mike on 2012-03-19 19:31:57

Are any of you dumbasses even FROM Denver? Did any of you actually GO to a game last year? I thought Tebow-hatred only existed outside Denver. Listen, he willlikely get hurt next season. THEN what? Any of you want to bet me serious cashthat Manning will not play in all 16 regular season games? 14? 12? 10? Maybe ZERO - hurt in the prerseson. Manning is fool’sgold - you know what that makes YOU. Besides even if he wins (highly doubtful) he’ll never bea Bronco – he is, and always will be - a Colt.

Posted by RegisAlum on 2012-03-19 19:30:38

I’m probablyslightly more cynical than many, but I’m reluctant, at this point, to apologizefor it.I don’t sharethe euphoria of many with regard to the Manning signing, (he may not be able tophysically last one season, much less two or three) but, I will admit, I dohave a fairly broad smile on my face.

First of all,I suspect that EFX hoped to land Manning in “the push”, but I suspect it wasonly one of the outcomes that they expected – all positive – and possibly notthe most important one.

I suspect thatthe number one priority with the move was to kill the Tebowmania in Denver. IMOit has become one of the most toxic phenomena both for the Denver Broncos andfor Christianity (of which I am considered, in another life, a spokesperson).This is especially true if you feel, as I do, that Tebow has given enoughevidence that his upside is not especially high and may be actually almostnon-existent (he has not improved his accuracy much in over 2 years withprofessional tutoring, if reports are to be believed, and he still cannot makequick reads and may never be able to do so – dyslexia unfortunately being acontributing factor). Some Tebowmaniacs may be threatening eternal damnation(or worse) for EFX, but many are receding into the background (their properplace) as it becomes increasingly apparent that the Tebow phenomena in Denver hopefully may be over. Thishas been accomplished with a relatively small amount of risk and pain with themove to land Manning (even if it had failed, which was a real possibility ineveryone’s mind - ??including Elway’s).

In addition, thesigning of Manning has changed a lot of things.While he isnot high on my list of favorite NFL players (I always thought that his ego andconsequent demand for a large portion of the Colts resources kept the Coltsfrom becoming the kind of dominant team that they might have been), I doappreciate some of the things he can do, especially if his ego can be held incheck (Is Elway capable of that as well???).

1 - Manningmakes the quickest reads of any QB I’ve ever watched. His instincts aredifficult to over-emphasize. Partially, that is the result of the fact that,more than any other NFL player I’ve seen, he knows how to practice to hone hisinstincts (TJ, I think it was, somewhere emphasized “deep practice” as opposedto simply “practice”). If only a handful of Broncos pick that up, we’re a muchimproved team. I suspect that the WR and TE corp will be intimately affected bythat, which, some have suggested, will put players like DT, Decker, and perhapseven Willis on another level.

2- otherplayers roles will be re-defined in such a way that they will immediatelyup-grade (as much as I’m reluctant to admit it, Manning does make the playersaround him better). The OL is now re-evaluated in several areas and on severallevels. Our current OL is now not such a liability (a QB that releasesinstantaneously as opposed to one who could not find an “adequately open”receiver, can do that) in pass protection, and its ability to run-block isgreatly enhanced when the assumption of the opposing team is no longer “run-first”.In addition, McGahee, Morino, even Fannin, become more interesting as runners,blockers, and, most importantly, as receivers.

3 – Since thedefense is no longer evaluated in light of its ability to hang-on until some “divinewilled intervention” is accomplished to enable an offense directed by a QB that“can run but he can’t pass consistently” brings deliverance, other things canbe regarded in a somewhat different light. With an off-season and adequatecoaching and development, safeties Carter, Moore, Bruton and Bush, thoughyoung, don’t seem so far from potentially capable, if not strong, starters.

Likewise,Harris, Tony Carter, Vaughn, Thompson, perhaps even Moore and Robinson are notsuch a useless CB corp. At LB, Miller has already impressed, Irving may not befar from doing the same. On the DL Ayers, Vickerson, Warren, Jarmon, Dumervil,and Beal, though thin, are not without some value.

Which simplymeans that I’m not disappointed that the Broncos have not made a splash with “gaudy”FA signings. I suspect from three to six still to come, all in areas to provideshort-term help.

But I am especiallyinterested in what they do in the draft. I suspect that the only predeterminedneed will be a QB in the later rounds – i.e. Osweiler, Cousins, Foles, etc ifavailable at an appropriate pick. After that, developmental players across theboard, with a slight edge IMO to linemen, both OL and DL.

That wouldmake me even more comfortable.

I’m probablyslightly more cynical than many, but I’m reluctant, at this point, to apologizefor it.I don’t sharethe euphoria of many with regard to the Manning signing, (he may not be able tophysically last one season, much less two or three) but, I will admit, I dohave a fairly broad smile on my face.

First of all,I suspect that EFX hoped to land Manning in “the push”, but I suspect it wasonly one of the outcomes that they expected – all positive – and possibly notthe most important one.

I suspect thatthe number one priority with the move was to kill the Tebowmania in Denver. IMOit has become one of the most toxic phenomena both for the Denver Broncos andfor Christianity (of which I am considered, in another life, a spokesperson).This is especially true if you feel, as I do, that Tebow has given enoughevidence that his upside is not especially high and may be actually almostnon-existent (he has not improved his accuracy much in over 2 years withprofessional tutoring, if reports are to be believed, and he still cannot makequick reads and may never be able to do so – dyslexia unfortunately being acontributing factor). Some Tebowmaniacs may be threatening eternal damnation(or worse) for EFX, but many are receding into the background (their properplace) as it becomes increasingly apparent that the Tebow phenomena in Denver hopefully may be over. Thishas been accomplished with a relatively small amount of risk and pain with themove to land Manning (even if it had failed, which was a real possibility ineveryone’s mind - ??including Elway’s).

In addition, thesigning of Manning has changed a lot of things.While he isnot high on my list of favorite NFL players (I always thought that his ego andconsequent demand for a large portion of the Colts resources kept the Coltsfrom becoming the kind of dominant team that they might have been), I doappreciate some of the things he can do, especially if his ego can be held incheck (Is Elway capable of that as well???).

1 - Manningmakes the quickest reads of any QB I’ve ever watched. His instincts aredifficult to over-emphasize. Partially, that is the result of the fact that,more than any other NFL player I’ve seen, he knows how to practice to hone hisinstincts (TJ, I think it was, somewhere emphasized “deep practice” as opposedto simply “practice”). If only a handful of Broncos pick that up, we’re a muchimproved team. I suspect that the WR and TE corp will be intimately affected bythat, which, some have suggested, will put players like DT, Decker, and perhapseven Willis on another level.

2- otherplayers roles will be re-defined in such a way that they will immediatelyup-grade (as much as I’m reluctant to admit it, Manning does make the playersaround him better). The OL is now re-evaluated in several areas and on severallevels. Our current OL is now not such a liability (a QB that releasesinstantaneously as opposed to one who could not find an “adequately open”receiver, can do that) in pass protection, and its ability to run-block isgreatly enhanced when the assumption of the opposing team is no longer “run-first”.In addition, McGahee, Morino, even Fannin, become more interesting as runners,blockers, and, most importantly, as receivers.

3 – Since thedefense is no longer evaluated in light of its ability to hang-on until some “divinewilled intervention” is accomplished to enable an offense directed by a QB that“can run but he can’t pass consistently” brings deliverance, other things canbe regarded in a somewhat different light. With an off-season and adequatecoaching and development, safeties Carter, Moore, Bruton and Bush, thoughyoung, don’t seem so far from potentially capable, if not strong, starters.

Likewise,Harris, Tony Carter, Vaughn, Thompson, perhaps even Moore and Robinson are notsuch a useless CB corp. At LB, Miller has already impressed, Irving may not befar from doing the same. On the DL Ayers, Vickerson, Warren, Jarmon, Dumervil,and Beal, though thin, are not without some value.

Which simplymeans that I’m not disappointed that the Broncos have not made a splash with “gaudy”FA signings. I suspect from three to six still to come, all in areas to provideshort-term help.

But I am especiallyinterested in what they do in the draft. I suspect that the only predeterminedneed will be a QB in the later rounds – i.e. Osweiler, Cousins, Foles, etc ifavailable at an appropriate pick. After that, developmental players across theboard, with a slight edge IMO to linemen, both OL and DL.

That wouldmake me even more comfortable.

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2012-03-19 19:29:29

Great and classy comment by John Hilton.

People on here rip the Tebow fans for being loyal only to him and not the Broncos organization but then instantly dump on Tebow who did nothing but win with more regularity than had been seen in Denver for years and conduct himself with class and dignity throughout, all while in the middle of a veritable media firestorm.

Elway doesn't deserve him, Tebow will resurface and have longstanding success long after Peyton is gone (see Favre, Brett and Young, Steve).

Posted by HavanaBronco on 2012-03-19 19:25:27

Well said, John.

Posted by Orange_and_Blue on 2012-03-19 19:22:54

Good work, TJ.

Nice to have the drama out of the way. Looking forward to seeing this team built into a more permanent contender.

Thanks.

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2012-03-19 19:14:32

Forget Tebow, we could get Nick Foles or Adam Weber for maybe 1 mil, so that's even a better unconventional risk according to your theory.

Posted by Boz on 2012-03-19 19:13:21

Sorry (I seem to be writing this a lot), but I just have to say something. I liked Tebow, but certainly do not consider myself a Tebowmaniac. I'm thrilled to have Manning on our team. But...

Everyone on here taking shots at Tebow are just as bad as the Tebowmaniacs. The kid has done nothing to deserve the scorn that people are throwing at him. The problem you have with him should be directed at the Tebowmaniacs and the press, not him. Tebow made Broncos football interesting for the first time in years. He did nothing but play his heart out and helped the team reach the 2nd round of the playoffs, something Cutler, Marshall, Hillis, and Orton never did with this team. He never bitched, he never complained, he never whined like Cutler, he never hit women like Marshall, and he didn't join the CIA like Hillis.

Is this the way Broncos fans treat players who tried their hardest to help their team win? I sure hope not. Because Tebow did a hell of a lot more for this team than the guys everyone moans over losing ever did.

Posted by John Hilton on 2012-03-19 19:11:59

I am hoping that there is a trade in the works for a younger experienced OC. There has to be solid defense of the A gaps because of Manning's quick release. The center and 2 guard positions need to be solid.

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2012-03-19 19:07:28

hes not gone yet....

Posted by BRASO on 2012-03-19 19:06:13

Sorry, not to be the wet blanket, but didn't we all say last year how JT was going to be a beast and he didn't play a down? How about he just gets on the field first...

Posted by John Hilton on 2012-03-19 19:05:23

Well spoken!!!

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2012-03-19 19:00:52

My only concern is that Peyton's home field isn't a dome. Not sure what that will really mean, but it's definitely a change.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-03-19 18:56:32

Tebow = a young unconventional risk(will he develop into more of a pocket=passer, etc.). Manning = an oldconventional risk (his health, age, etc.). One costs $5M, the other $95M. This is stupid. Give me the young guy anyday!

Posted by RegisAlum on 2012-03-19 18:47:49

Ugh... I'll get over it but that article just depresses me. As stupid and idiotic as it is, comparing stats that are not relevant to compare, to QB's who are far better than Tebow, I still get a little sad that the end of Tebow is here. If he were just a bit better we could have rolled with him on the hope that improvement would come soon enough. He just had too far to go. Oh well, I need to go read some pro-Peyton stories before the deep depression sets in.

Posted by Charles Burnette on 2012-03-19 18:29:37

Just got off a long days work and read the news. Go Manning! Go Broncos! I can't believe we pulled this off. The end of the Tebow era came much sooner than I ever could have hoped (or prayed) for.

Posted by Boz on 2012-03-19 18:25:18

ElwayIG7, thanks for coming by with gems of analysis like "stupid," "idiot," etc!

Posted by Nick (ncm42) on 2012-03-19 18:22:47

Yeah, nothing wrong with wearing an outdated jersey from a guy who played his heart out for the team and left due to no fault of his own. Not like my old Cutler and Romo jerseys, which haven't seen the light of day in years (someday I might get around to throwing them away, or making good on my threat to burn them).

And while I don't have a Tebow jersey myself, Santa brouht my 3 yr old son a Tebow Jersey for Xmas last year, and I'm sure he'll be wearing it for quite a while more. He's worn it probably 2-3 times a week ever since. If he sees it anywhere in his room in the morning, good luck getting him to wear anything else that day. and if it's been a while since he's worn it, he starts asking why it's still in the laundry.

Posted by Hercules_Rockefeller on 2012-03-19 18:21:40

Oh man, is Tebow gonna put a curse on the Broncos that makes Brett Kern's look like pixie dust by comparison?

good point Rich, I like Tamme, too. Didn't realize he was a FA, as well.

Posted by underdog on 2012-03-19 18:07:03

Given that Weber looked decent in camp last year, do they just go with him as 'the prospect' QB instead of drafting and pick up a free agent QB for the #2 position? Given injury risk, I assume they'll go with 3 QBs on the roster.

Posted by Gene Halt on 2012-03-19 18:06:31

Thanks, I'd like to see that, too. Hey, I wouldn't mind a little glimpse of a Patriots style TE package with two beastly receiving TEs making things tougher on D coverage.

Posted by underdog on 2012-03-19 18:06:01

You can not rightfully complain if you bought a jersey. In today's NFL, players are anything but permanent fixtures in one city.

It kills me when people complain when they bought a jersey of a guy who's on his way elsewhere.

It kills me more when people continue to wear that jersey of the departed player to games. Its okay (preferable in many cases) to simply wear a T-shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, or no shirt than it is to wear a replica jersey of a departed player that smells like your tailgate party. Frankly, nothing makes my skin crawl quite like seeing old Bill Romanowski jerseys.

For the record, I own probably 15 jerseys. I only wear the orange 1990's Elway or polyester 1970's Gradishar to games anymore. Gave up buying jerseys after I had to custom order a B. Marshall jersey after his rookie year (because he was a nobody then) just to see him jump the shark a year later.

I may buy a Manning #18 (or #16). In orange. As it should be.

Posted by Super7 on 2012-03-19 18:00:15

Nice work TJ. I have another positive. A legit hurry-up offense at altitude could be tough to defend. I'm just sayin'.

Posted by ButteBronco on 2012-03-19 17:59:08

"John Elway doesn't have to look constipated when the Broncos win next year." I literally laughed out loud.

Good job, T.J. -- I enjoyed it.

Posted by AZDynamics on 2012-03-19 17:58:36

Hoping for Tammie over Clark.

If you bought a Tebow jersey, there's no shame in that. He's one of the most likeable and rootable (not a word) players I can think of. I wish him well.

As for the roster. It's gonna look very different from the junk yard of the last few seasons.

Denver's going to have a top-flight offense (once they add a C, they'll need another WR & another RB) and a good defense. I'd like to see Denver add a CB, 2 LBs and another DT.

Posted by Super7 on 2012-03-19 17:54:04

Nice read, TJ, and especially this line: "... gone is the zombie-cult of maniacs that won't stop hunting you until they've devoured your very flesh."If Tebow were to remain a Bronco, they would be booing the hell out of Manning. It's sort of ironic that they will be one of the main causes of Tebow's departure, which I will bet a lot on.

Posted by bradley on 2012-03-19 17:51:32

It's a good idea, UD. Julius will be a flat out beast and Clark could also pick up 30-40 passes, too. The Colts rarely went to a 2 tight-end set. They almost always went 113 package. I'd like to see if Manning would be hip to the 122, though, more often.

Posted by TJ Johnson on 2012-03-19 17:49:02

Let me just cherry pick some meaningless events and conclude some idiocy. Let me never hire that dude as my lawyer. The hand of God is behind Tebow (which is a joke) is a better argument.

Posted by sleepyteak on 2012-03-19 17:44:00

@ Underdog

Another guy that I think the Broncos will seriously look at is Clark's backup in Indy Jacob Tamme. The guy has experience with Manning. He's 6 years younger than Clark, so injury problems wouldn't be as much of a concern. Also, he put up good recieiving numbers the times he was a starter with Manning. I'm not sure if his blocking is up to par but if it was than you would have to like Tamme as a guy we go after.

Posted by rich on 2012-03-19 17:40:46

ohio, I will be wearing my Broncos Tebow jersey proudly for years to come. He never embarrassed the team and helped for all of this (Manning sweepstakes) to come our way.

Posted by Orange_and_Blue on 2012-03-19 17:37:01

Everyone has soured on Moreno but he would kill it in a Peyton Manning offense.

Posted by chantech on 2012-03-19 17:36:16

It's a very tough schedule. Glad to have Manning going through it at least. ;) But hey the NYG had a tough sched, were 9-7, squeaked into playoffs and won super bowl as a very battle-tested team.

Posted by underdog on 2012-03-19 17:35:13

Awesome job, TJ. You are right on with everything you wrote.

I really wish Eron Riley was still with the team, b/c I think he would have shined w/ Manning at the helm. Mark Dell could be interesting next yr too.

Not only Knowshon but Mario Fannin just got more interesting too. I love the offense's potential, I just wish it was with a younger and healthier QB. Oh well. We hopefully get what we pay for.

As for Tebow, I wish he could become the Dallas Clark for this team. With him out of the limelight QB position, it might actually stifle the circus around him. But that's just dreamin'.

TJ what do you think of Dallas Clark? I think he could be a boost for young guys like Thomas and Green, not a hindrance, they could learn from him while still getting some PT (not like Clark can play every down), while also giving PM some comfort and familiarity but curious as to your thoughts.

Posted by underdog on 2012-03-19 17:29:08

If you were stupid enough to buy a Tebow jersey, you should have to live with the consequences. Tebust was always going to get traded or cut...PM just expedited the process.

Posted by ElwayIsGod7 on 2012-03-19 17:28:29

The line will look much better. Not sure about DT - he still doesn't run routes that well. Hopefully he gets to work with Peyton Hawking in the offseason and improve there.

Posted by chantech on 2012-03-19 17:28:20

I believe its easier to block for a immobile QB. (correct me if I'm wrong) Manning will get rid of the ball in 3 seconds rather than 5. Manning can also read defenses and know how to beat a blitz. All reasons why the O-Line will be better next year even if they are not. Demariyus will be all-pro next year if Manning is anything close to the Manning of old.

Posted by sleepyteak on 2012-03-19 17:26:15

I have a Tebow jersey and was just thinking about doing the duct tape number change. For the name, just anothe piece of duct tape and a sharpie. Little trick I learned from Bengals fans after the whole Ocho Cinco thing.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2012-03-19 17:23:40

Agree with all that. Do we have to sign Saturday? I love Zimmerman but even his effectiveness was waning at the end of his career.

Also, I wish Eddie would have stayed - he's the type of guy who would have thrived under Peyton.

Posted by chantech on 2012-03-19 17:22:46

the biggest thing I'm worried about is our schedule next year. It is brutal and there are still problems with this team. Getting dominated by Detroit and New England was not just on Tebow. Our interior O-line has got to improve (although Saturday should help a lot with that), The D still needs to generate some interior pressure. Our secondary isn't that strong besides Champ. Mike Adams should be a nice upgrade and keeping Dawkins would be good. but going up against Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cinci, New England, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta will not be easy. We still win the west but I hope people aren't getting there hopes up and expecting 13-3 because I think a 10-6 is a lot more likely with that kind of schedule.

Posted by rich on 2012-03-19 17:22:04

Personally, I think the fair thing is for the Broncos to offer a free trade in program. Send in a Tebow jersey and get a Manning one back.